Your payment history is a big part of your credit score.  It counts for more than a third of your credit score.  If you are late on payments for credit cards, department store credit cards, car loans and mortgages, this will bring down your credit score.

Whenever possible, try to get federal student loans rather than private student loans.  The federal student loans give you more protection.  They also have more clear cut rules and applications about repayment and deferment.

A car loan can help you build up your credit score.  If you make regular payments, it will build your credit over time.  Be careful to not buy more car than you can afford.

When someone calls you to collect on a bill, here are signs that they may be a scammer:

• They want you to pay by money transfer or prepaid card
• They threaten you with jail time or they say they are from the government
• They ask you for confidential information, like your social security number or bank information

Holiday club accounts automatically withdraw money from your checking account each month.  You get the total amount transferred to your checking account once you have met your goal.  There is usually a penalty for early withdrawal so make sure to read all about the plan before you start.

A HELOC is a home equity line of credit.  A HELOC is actually not a loan, but a line of credit that is secured by your home.  You have to have enough equity in your home to get a HELOC.  The bank will look at the value of your home and how much you already owe on your mortgage.

If you have a mortgage and you have some financial problems, start exploring your options before you miss a mortgage payment.  Here are some options to avoid foreclosure:

Refinance

Repayment Plan

Forbearance

Modification

https://www.knowyouroptions.com/avoid-foreclosure/options-stay-your-home/overview